Fracking, Northeast B.C.

Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, is the controversial practice of blasting water, sand and toxic chemicals into deep, underground shale formations to release natural gas. Despite rising public concern over health, fresh water and environmental impacts, the controversial use of fracking in natural gas production is speeding ahead in the Horne River Basin (north of Fort Nelson) and Monteney Shale Basin (around Hudson Hope, Fort St.John, and Dawson Creek areas, and the traditional territories of Treaty 8 First Nations).

Watch the video, Fracking Up BC, by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Or, read CCPA's report, Fracking Up Our Water, Hydro Power and Climate.

On November 24, Sierra Club BC hosted the panel discussion Fracking 101, featuring: Ben Parfitt, the author of Fracking Up Our Water, Hydro Power and Climate; Lana Lowe, Director of Lands and Resources with the Fort Nelson First Nation; Naomi Owens, Acting Land Director and Biologist with the Salteau First Nations, and; Irene Merrick, Rancher and Director with PESTS (Peace Environment and Safety Trustees Society) in Dawson Creek. A full house listened to the moving and alarming stories from the panel.

Sierra Club BC is calling on the B.C. government to consult and involve First Nations and impacted communities and to initiate a comprehensive science-based public inquiry of fracking impacts.